 Original article by Meredith Dawson The new program offers egg producers and hatcheries the ability to certify that they are using in-ovo sexing technologies. United Egg Producers (UEP) has announced a new certification program for producers or hatcheries that are using in-ovo sexing technologies. The program, known as Hatch Check, uses independent third-party audits and record-keeping protocols to ensure that certified, in-ovo sexed eggs are properly segregated, verifiable and labeled for consumers. Hatch Check is available to operations that meet the program’s requirements, which include sexing eggs by day 15 or earlier of incubation and having an effective traceability program that tracks from hatchery to carton. According to UEP, the new program will supplement its existing hatchery audit and was developed by egg farmers, hatchery operators and animal welfare specialists to ensure a science-based approach. If certified, producers will be able to label eggs with the Hatch Check emblem, as well as verbiage including:
“UEP Certified is dedicated to promoting high standards of hen welfare throughout the entire egg production system, which is a top priority for U.S. egg farmers,” stated UEP Senior Vice President of Animal Welfare Dr. Larry Sadler. “Our mission includes evolving our guidelines and audits to stay relevant with innovative approaches to hen health and well-being, as well as advancing critical technologies that enhance welfare. By addressing the management of male chicks in egg production, Hatch Check and the UEP Certified program continue to lead in animal care." In-ovo sexing still new to the U.S. While in-ovo-sexing technologies have been in use in some European hatcheries for a few years, the practice is still new in the U.S. In December 2024, the first in-oxo sexing machine in the U.S. was installed in an Iowa hatchery, with a commitment to transfer its eggs to egg producer NestFresh. Currently, only a few U.S. companies have made in-ovo sexing pledges, including Egg Innovations, Kipster and NestFresh. Original article published on WATTPoultry In-ovo sexinganimal welfaresustainable egg productionComments are closed.
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